top contributor badge 2025

Jess

Marketing & Community Manager for The Trek. AT 2024 NOBO. LT 2024 NOBO.

Posts

Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45L Ultralight Backpack Review

Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45L Ultralight Backpack Review

The Mountain Hardwear Alakazam is designed for long-distance backpackers and thru-hikers seeking maximum weight savings without sacrificing durability, load-bearing support, or trail-ready features. Its aluminum internal frame, load lifters, daisy chains, and oversized stretch mesh pockets provide the comfort and functionality needed for extended trips.

Aug 20, 2026 : Jess
The Scary Truth About “Trail Angels”

The Scary Truth About “Trail Angels”

There is a side of trail magic that a lot of people don’t talk about. But if you hike long enough or you talk to enough hikers, you start to see a pattern of folks out there that don’t have the best intentions.

Apr 16, 2026 : Jess
Everyone Lies About the Appalachian Trail (Including Me)

Everyone Lies About the Appalachian Trail (Including Me)

Everybody lies about thru-hiking. Me included. Especially on the AT. Sometimes these are outright lies. People say they had a terrible time on

Mar 23, 2026 : Jess
Denver Area Hiker Trash Meetup: APRIL

Denver Area Hiker Trash Meetup: APRIL

The Trek's Denver Hiker Trash Meetup is back. Join your favorite collection of trail-obsessing, Melly-wearing, indoor-loathing, dirtbags for a drink

Mar 20, 2026 : Jess
7 Future Thru-Hikers Share Their “Why”

7 Future Thru-Hikers Share Their “Why”

Why do people thru-hike? Thru-hiking attracts people for all sorts of different reasons. So, we asked 2026 thru-hikers: Why are you

Mar 19, 2026 : Jess
3 Thru-Hikers Reveal Why They Quit

3 Thru-Hikers Reveal Why They Quit

Why do thru-hikers quit? Quitting is what every thru-hiker fears. Whether it stems from injury, illness, family emergencies, or something else entirely, the idea of throwing in the towel on a thru-hike can be devastating. And for those of us watching from home, we’re left wondering: What went wrong? Why go home?

Jan 19, 2026 : Jess
The Worst Backpacking Advice I’ve Ever Received…

The Worst Backpacking Advice I’ve Ever Received…

I've been backpacking for many years, including the Colorado Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, Long Trail, and most of Colorado's 14ers. In that period of time, I've received quite a lot of advice from other people...

Jan 15, 2026 : Jess
How To Vlog on the Appalachian Trail: A Complete Guide

How To Vlog on the Appalachian Trail: A Complete Guide

Vlogging on the Appalachian Trail might seem more daunting than thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail! But don't worry - with a little prep and practice, it doesn't have to be. Last year I thru-hiked both the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, and the Long Trail. During my thru-hikes, I recorded, edited, and published more than 160 videos on my YouTube channel. My goal in this article is to share everything I wish I would have known before I began my YouTubing journey.

Jan 7, 2026 : Jess
Backpacking Gear I LOVED (and Hated) in 2025

Backpacking Gear I LOVED (and Hated) in 2025

Let's talk about all the backpacking gear I loved and hated in 2025! Quick disclaimer: when it comes to backpacking, I don't think that there is

Dec 31, 2025 : Jess
57 Things Every AT Thru-Hiker Needs to Know.

57 Things Every AT Thru-Hiker Needs to Know.

Tips for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Well, when it comes to the AT, there are lessons that you can research ahead of time, and then there are

Dec 26, 2025 : Jess